Canine Training Facility Owner Faces More Charges: Naugatuck Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — The owner of a Naugatuck canine training facility, where at least 10 dogs are believed to have been shot and killed by employees, was arrested over the weekend on additional animal cruelty charges, according to police.

In a news release, Naugatuck police said David Rivera turned himself in Saturday on a warrant charging him with malicious wounding/killing of an animal.

Police noted the additional charges stem from an investigation into Rivera's business, Black Rock Canine, after an additional report of animal abuse was made.

"In this instance," police said, "the owner of a dog alleged that dog was injured and abused after the dog had been in the care of Rivera's training facility in 2021."

Back in May, police removed over 30 dogs from Black Rock Canines after an in-depth investigation led police to believe at least ten dogs had been shot and killed by employees, then buried on the property of the training facility.

These and other shocking details revealed by police resulted in the arrest of Rivera, a New Canaan police officer and Stratford resident who owns the facility, and the facility's general manager on a host of animal cruelty and other charges.

See also: At Least 10 Dogs Shot, Killed By Employees Of Naugatuck Facility: PD

• Dogs Removed From Naugatuck Training Facility Being Evaluated By Vet

In May, New Canaan Chief of Police Leon Krolikowski said Rivera had been placed on leave and was prohibited from serving as an active-duty New Canaan police officer. Patch has reached out to the department for further information.

"Naugatuck police detectives have continued to investigate additional reports made involving this facility and Mr. Rivera in an effort to bring closure to this investigation," police said in a news release.

Rivera is scheduled to appear in court later this month.